TLDR Targeting the endocannabinoid system might help reduce hair pulling in trichotillomania.
Trichotillomania involves repetitive hair pulling, leading to hair loss and impairment. Limited neuroscience research on trichotillomania exists, but related disorders like Tourette's syndrome and OCD provide insights into its mechanisms. Preliminary studies indicated that Δ9-tetrahydro-cannabinol could reduce tics and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. An open-label study found a cannabinoid agonist effective in reducing hair pulling in trichotillomania. These findings suggested that targeting the endocannabinoid system might help manage the compulsive behaviors in trichotillomania.
119 citations,
February 2009 in “Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews” Trichotillomania involves hair pulling and can be treated with therapy and medication.
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